Whilst we are on the theme of self-care you might like this poem. At one with nature May brings with it a harmony of spring flowers. Corn poppy – deep red petals, remind the living of the sacrifice of the many. Breathtakingly beautiful, the wild flowers take their rightful place amongst the flora and fauna. They encourage nature. The bees. The butterflies. Indeed, all the pollinators. They know their place in the world. Take a walk in nature. Breathe in the splendour of a spring day. Be at one with her beauty. With the peace she brings.

On 12th May we recognised the unique contribution that nurses make to global healthcare. As a Queen’s Nurse with the Queen’s Institute of Community Nursing, I eagerly await this time of year when I frequently submit a blog to raise awareness of this momentous day in nursing history. Each year the International Council of Nursing chooses the respective theme. This year it is: Our Nurses. Our Future. Caring for nurses strengthens economies, a direct link to many of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 8, which emphasises the importance of decent work and economic growth. SDG 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages, and SDG 10, which aims to reduce inequalities, and in which a healthy and supported nursing workforce can play an important part. In the first of my two blogs I share with you the

On the 25th of every month Soroptimists draw attention to the worldwide UN campaign “Say NO – UNITE to end violence against women and girls by 2030. The campaign known internationally as “Orange the World”. Violence against women and girls, from sexual harassment to abuse and femicide needs to be stopped! This powerful message must be strengthened. Soroptimist International Scarborough Malton and District Club welcome you to our monthly Orange Cafés. Women are welcome to join us for a chat, and to find out about the support provided locally for women and girls affected by violence. If you would like to gain further insight into the great work we do why not come and have a cuppa with us.

Cervical cancer remains one of the greatest threats to women’s health and yet, it is one of the most preventable. The human papillomavirus (HPV) is considered to be one of the greatest risks. Today there is a vaccination that can help reduce that risk and ensure our children grow up in a healthier and safe world. If you would like to know more about the HPV vaccine then please click here. If you want to help your children understand more about the importance of HPV vaccination you might find this flip book produced by Soroptimist International Trinidad and Tobago of interest.    

6th February is International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation or FGM. The severe impact of which can lead to catastrophic physical and mental health problems that can last a lifetime. If you want to know more about this violation of human rights, please click here to find out about the work the United Nations is currently undertaking to end FGM by 2030. As with so many of these days working collaboratively to make the world a safer place for women and girls is not just for one day – but every single day. If you want to learn more about becoming a member of Soroptimist International Great Britain & Ireland and the work we do to help make the world a safer place for women and girls, then why not contact us by completing the respective form or by emailing – Joint

History has sought to challenge the patriarchal, dominated world in which women and girls live and work, causing many women (and girls) to take a stance and fight for a safer and more equitable society, one in which we can all prosper. Disappointingly however, despite many global and landmark successes, there is still a long way to go before we have created a more just society in which women and girls can attain their rightful place. A place where gender domination is brought to an end. One such success is the establishing by the United Nations (UN) of International Women’s Day, a day through which we can all come together and promote an awareness of the impact of the discrimination and hatred directed at women and girls. A phenomenon which leads to intense fear, torment and suffering. Even death. International Women’s Day was first marked by

Today is the UN International Day of Education. If you would like to know more about this momentous day please click here. Sadly, too many girls still face numerous barriers to gaining a full education. Soroptimists are passionate about breaking down the barriers that exist to help women and girls gain the meaningful education they deserve and should expect. On this Day of Education, we reflect on the power of education to equip women and girls to lead more fulfilling and independent lives and to navigate and better understand the world we live in. To find out how Soroptimists are helping to make this a reality please click here for more information. If you would like to be involved in helping women and girls receive the education they so rightly deserve then you can find out more about membership by clicking here. You might also

January is the month when we seek to raise awareness of the importance of attending for cervical screening. Cervical cancer is preventable and curable, as long as it is detected early and managed effectively. Yet it is the 4th most common form of cancer among women worldwide, with the disease claiming the lives of almost 350,000 women in 2022. Few diseases reflect global inequalities as much as cancer of the cervix. Nearly 94% of the deaths in 2022 occurred in low and middle income countries. This is where the burden of cervical cancer is greatest, because access to public health services is limited and screening and treatment for the disease have not been widely implemented. An ambitious global strategy, was adopted by the World Health Assembly in 2020. Click here the Global Strategy for Cervical Cancer. It is essential that as a woman you attend

International Women’s Day is the day when women unite as one and join the call to action, the aim of which is to promote equal rights for women and girls across the globe. The theme for 2025 is “For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment”.So, why not join us in helping make the world a better place for women and girls to live, grow and prosper and help condemn gender inequality to the annals of history for good. It is always the right time. If you would like to know more please contact me Catherine Best on Catherine.best23@gmail.com